We don’t know when the use of crystals began; what we do know is that crystals have been used for a variety of purposes over the millennia. Why are we so drawn to crystals? What are the healing properties of crystals? Do crystals really work?
Crystals Throughout History
It appears that humans have been drawn to crystals for a very long time. They are often beautiful, sometimes rare, and can allow the wearer to make a statement of wealth or status, or believe that the stones can make improvements in life.
Amulets of Baltic amber have been found dating back 30,000 years, and in Britain amber beads have been discovered dating back to the end of the last ice age. Some of the earliest recorded uses of crystals for magic and healing are by the ancient Sumerians and in traditional Chinese medicine. Other ancient cultures used crystals as aides in achieving balance emotionally, spiritually, and in health.
The Romans carried crystal amulets and talismans. Egyptians used stones for health and protection, and had amulets carved from crystals placed in their tombs. Use of crystals is documented in ancient India, Greece, China, and Japan. The people of North, Central, and South America have used crystals, as did the Maoris of New Zealand. Twelve stones were in the breastplate of the Jewish High Priest; the Hebrew Bible dictates which stones were to be used.
As more was learned about the human body, the use of healing crystals and amulets began to fall out of favor in Western cultures. Interest in these crystals was rekindled in the 1960s and 70s, as interest in different spiritual practices and methods of healing became more mainstream.
Healing Properties of Crystals
There are many ways to work with crystals. Most methods focus on the color of the crystal, and often connect that color to the Chakra centers. Other methods focus on the shape into which the crystal is carved, or the combinations of crystals used.
The Crown Chakra, or 7th Chakra, is usually associated with the colors Violet, Clear, or White. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Amethyst, Charoite, Gold, Quartz, Selenite, Serpentine, Spirit Quartz, Tanzanite, and Violet Fluorite.
The Third Eye/Brow Chakra, or the 6th Chakra, is usually associated with the color Indigo. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Azurite, Blue Fluorite, Crazy Lace Agate, Fluorite, Gold, Iolite, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite, and Turquoise.
The Throat Chakra, or 5th Chakra, is usually associated with the color Turquoise. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Aquamarine, Blue Fluorite, Celestite, Chrysocolla, Fluorite, Labradorite, Malachite, Sapphire, Sodalite, and Tanzanite.
The Heart Chakra, or 4th Chakra, is usually associated with the color Green, and sometimes with Pink. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Adamite, Amazonite, Andradite Garnet, Charoite, Emerald, Fluorite, Green Apatite, Green Aventurine, Hiddenite, Jade, Malachite, Moldavite, Peridot, Prehnite, and Rose Quartz.
The Solar Plexus Chakra, or 3rd Chakra, is usually associated with the color Yellow. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Adamite, Andradite Garnet, Citrine, Golden Topaz, Limonite, Prehnite, Pyrite, Spessartine Garnet, Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Fluorite, and Yellow Sapphire.
The Sacral Chakra, or 2nd Chakra, is usually associated with the color Orange. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Amber, Carnelian, Golden Topaz, Heliodor, Ocean Jasper, Orange Aventurine, Orange Calcite, Spessartine Garnet, Sunstone, and Yellow Apatite.
The Root/Base Chakra, or the 1st Chakra, is usually associated with the color Red, and sometimes with Black. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Some stones which are associated with this chakra are.
Once you have identified which stones you wish to use, there are many ways you can incorporate crystal energy into your life. You can wear them in jewelry or in your pocket. You can use them for meditation. You can put them throughout your home/workspace. You can use a crystal grid. You can even buy bottles that let you to infuse your water with crystal energy. (Do not put your crystals directly into water, as some crystals are not safely ingested.)
You may choose to work with a healer who works with crystals. There are Certified Crystal Healers (please note—this certificate is not regulated). Many Reiki healers use crystals, as do some shamans. You can take a “Sound Bath” with crystal singing bowls. An online search will provide resources for your area.
Do Crystals Really Make a Difference?
We know that crystals can be used as an energy source. Piezoelectricity (electric polarization) results when mechanical stress is applied to certain crystals. This polarization is used in watches, radios, microprocessors. Crystals respond to the energies around them, which causes them to vibrate at an atomic level.
Do crystal vibrations have an effect on living things? Science has not definitively answered that question. The human body is filled with electrical currents. These currents cause our muscles to contract, among other things. Therefore, we know that humans are filled with electricity, and that measurable electricity can be created in crystals.
We know that the Placebo effect is real. If we believe something will help, it often will. Science is still developing an understanding of how the Placebo effect works; studies are being done to learn how the brain reacts to a placebo. So it is possible that any benefit received from working with crystals is obtained through the Placebo effect.
So, are crystals for you? They are pretty to look at, and often inexpensive. If used properly, they will not harm you, and who knows, you might even feel better if you use them.. So if you are curious, why not go to your local rock shop and hold a few crystals. See how you respond. You might even find a few that needs to come home with you.